“Strange: NASS to embark on indefinite strike”

Workers of the Nigerian National Assembly under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) have threatened to embark on an indefinite industrial strike action starting on Tuesday following management’s failure to meet their demands earlier.

Some Legislative aides also declared their intentions to stage a protest at the National Assembly over unpaid salaries and allowances.

Recall that both the Senate and the House of Representatives had on March 25, 2021, adjourned plenary till April 13, 2021 to enable members celebrate Easter.

During a congress on Monday, the workers resolved to down their working tools following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Assembly management.

However, findings revealed that management was still in talks with the angry workers to avert the strike action.

We can recall that the Clerk to the National Assembly, Arch. Olatunde Ojo, did set up an implementation committee on March 21, to address the agitation of the workers, calling for PASAN to suspend the pending industrial action.

The setting up of the implementation committee followed a 14-day ultimatum handed down by PASAN, threatening to down tools if the issues concerned were not addressed as at 31st March 2021.

According to the Chairman of PASAN, National Assembly Chapter, Mr. Sunday Sabiyi, part of welfare issues they seek to be addressed include non-payment of 22 months minimum wage arrears.

Sabiyi also stated that the implementation of rent subsidy at 40 per cent of consolidated annual salary, hazard allowance at five per cent of consolidated monthly salary, gratuity for every retiring staff and pending promotion arrears are part of issues that demand urgent attention.

PASAN has resolved to begin its strike at mid-day on Tuesday April 13 2021 if their demands were not met by management.